A/N: Hey everyone! Well sorry to keep you all in suspense about what Hermione's answer will be… will you find out in this chapter or not? Read to find out… and thanks for the reviews!

DISCLAIMER: You all know!

Chapter Seven: Twenty Minute Meeting

Molly smiled at Dakota as she walked into the kitchen looking at everyone shyly as she rubbed her eyes. Ginny stepped forward and carefully stooped down to Dakota's level smiling.

"How are you feeling?" asked Ginny softly, one hand supporting her on the ground and the other on her slightly swollen stomach.

"Hungry," mumbled Dakota, "When is Mummy coming to get me?"

"I don't know, but would you like some muffins? Granny Molly has just baked them and they are still warm."

"Yes please."

Ginny smiled and stood up. She took hold of Dakota's hand and led her over to the old table. Dakota climbed up onto a chair and gave Molly a small smile as she placed a plate in front of her with a large chocolate muffin.

"Thankyou."

"Manners are just like your Mother's," grinned Molly, "Hmm, it's past three. I really thought Hermione would be back by now."

"Maybe the Wake is running longer then she thought it would. She did say her mother had a lot of friends," replied Ginny, "I should get the kids home. It's chilly and I want to bathe them early so their hair will be completely dry before bedtime. Thanks for having me over."

Molly smiled, "Any time love. Even though Fleur and Bill live next door, I hardly ever see them."

Ginny nodded and looked at Dakota, "See you another time Dakota."

"Bye," replied Dakota wiping crumbs off her face with her jumper sleeve.

Ginny walked out to the lounge room and seconds later the sound of someone flooing was heard. Molly sat down across from Dakota and smiled.

"Do you like it here in England?" asked Molly.

"Yep! Mummy grew up here. She told me I would like it."

"Do you miss Australia?"

"Sometimes. But the snow is fun! Aunty Mel… she, she taught me how to make a snowman!"

"Really? Wow, that must have been fun!"

Dakota giggled, "It was. But I got wet and had to go inside before I got sick."

Molly chuckled, "Would you like some juice?"

"Yes please."

O

Draco sighed and placed the photo on the bedside table and laid back against the pillows. They certainly weren't as soft as his one's at the Manor, that was for sure. Maybe he could get his parents to bring him one. Draco sighed as he remembered Hermione's terrified face when he had grabbed her. Her being scared of him was the last thing he wanted and it was his addiction that made things the way they were. He had to beat his demons; he had to have Hermione back. His love for her was a strong as it was when he realized she was the love of his life.

Draco cringed as his mouth went dry and hands began shaking. He sat up and carefully took hold of the water jug and attempted to pour himself a drink, only his hand shook so bad the water spilt everywhere.

"Dammit!" shouted Draco throwing the jug away from him in frustration, "This is bloody stupid!"

The door burst open with the arrival of Pompfrey. She looked at Draco to the jug and then at his shaking hands.

"How long do they last?" she asked pulling her wand out and cleaning the mess up.

"About… fifteen minutes or so," he replied, "But they happen really often."

Pompfrey nodded, "Don't loose hope. If you loose your temper again I will confiscate the picture."

"I guess I can't see Hermione at the end of the week can I?" mumbled Draco sadly.

Pompfrey sighed, "That is up to Quarralia. Not me."

O

"What's the answer Hermione? Are you staying or going?" asked Harry in annoyance.

Hermione sighed and looked around the house. To stay or not to stay? That was the question he was asking and her answer would be life changing either way. She glanced at Quarralia who was looking at her with interest, while Harry was pacing.

"I'm-" Hermione's answer was cut of by the arrival of Ron and Blaise.

"Are you okay Herms?" asked Ron rushing over and hugging her, "Did he hurt you in anyway?"

"No, he didn't. I'm fine. A little shocked now, but fine."

Ron smiled a little, "Well he's in his new ward now. So he can't try to hurt you."

"He wasn't attempting to hurt me Ron. Yes he was angry, really angry. But every time he needed to hit something he always hit the wall. Not me. I know he would never try to hurt me."

"Hermione, will you please tell me your answer?" snapped Harry, "Are you running away for good or staying and standing your ground?"

"What's going on?" asked Blaise in confusion.

"Hermione is deciding whether she is going to stay where she belongs or run back to Australia and remain in hiding from Draco for good."

Hermione resisted the urge to smack Harry in the face and instead looked at him with an intense angry glare, "My answer is I am staying here in England! The business in Australia is in good hands and I can still visit it whenever I need too. Are you happy, Harry?"

Harry's face broke into a happy grin, as did Ron's. Both ran to her and hugged her tightly causing Hermione to laugh a little.

"This is good," smiled Quarralia, "Hermione… I know you have your mother's death to deal with and a wake to return too… but I was wondering… tomorrow, could you come to the Rehab center around 11?"

Hermione smiled and nodded, "Sure."

O

"Staying in England?" cried Merle later that night as Hermione tucked Dakota into her bed at her Aunties place, "What about the business in Australia? Your clients? Your property?"

"Merle I will deal with that tomorrow. Look, you can go back if you want too. I don't expect you to follow me all over the world," replied Hermione as she kissed her daughter goodnight, "Night Sweetie. Sleep well."

"Night Mummy," mumbled Dakota as her eyes slid closed.

The two adult women walked out of the room and down the hall to the kitchen.

"Why are you staying? Why aren't you going back?" asked Merle, "Don't tell me Draco told you what to do."

"He didn't. It was my choice. When I left I never once considered the reactions of everyone else. But that's not why I am staying… I belong here in England. It is my home, where I grew up, fell in love, everything! I love it here, I mean Australia is great and all, but not for me."

Merle nodded, "I understand."

"Merle I know you love Australia. I know you will return and when you do I want you to run the business there."

Merle smiled a little, "But I'll miss you. You are a sister to me, my bestfriend."

Hermione hugged Merle and smiled, "You will be fine. The whole property to yourself, have parties!"

Merle laughed a little, "What are you going to do with your parents place?"

"Coffee? Juice?" replied Hermione turning to the fridge, "Aunt Cassie! Do you want a drink?"

Cassie walked into the kitchen looking at her niece seriously, "You heard Merle. What are you going to do about the property?"

Hermione sighed and shut the fridge, "I'm thinking of selling it… or renting it out. I can't live there. I know it is where I grew up and all, but you know… it just holds too many memories and I won't be able to move on."

Merle and Cassie nodded in silence.

"I was thinking of going there tomorrow before I went to St Mungo's to pack away a few things. Work out what I want like pictures and other things. The rest I know Mum and Dad would want to go to Charity or the family can take what they want… does that seem right?" asked Hermione unsure of herself.

"It does. Your parents wouldn't expect you to keep everything that was theirs. No one expects that," replied Cassie placing her hand on Hermione's, "Now, let's not dwell on sad things. How about we have a nice hot chocolate?"

Hermione and Merle smiled and nodded. Aunt Cassie made the best hot chocolate's using her secret recipe that no one knew of, not even Hermione's mother knew considering she was close to her sisters.

O

"Is this where Nanny lived?" asked Dakota looking around Hermione's childhood home in awe.

"This is it," replied Hermione carrying cardboard boxes her Aunt Kirra and Uncle Matthew had dropped off earlier that morning. Hermione had driven her Aunt's car around to be able to cart the boxes with more ease, "Okay, you go play with your toys in the lounge room while I go through Nanny's room."

Dakota nodded and walked into the lounge room with her bag of toys. Hermione headed up stairs and walked into her mother and fathers room taking a deep calming breath. Without a thought she just started the job she intended to do. The clothes were going to Charity along with the shoes. Jewelry Hermione planned on keeping, as well as pictures any sculptures, paintings and certain bits of furniture like her bed. Hermione planned on giving Dakota her old bed when they moved into a new home somewhere close to London.

Once she finished packing the pictures, ornaments and other valuables away Hermione grabbed a roll of garbage bags she also had brought with her and carefully placed the two wardrobes of clothing away. It seemed that Hermione's mother never got rid of her father's gear.

"Hermione?" came a voice from down stairs.

"Up stairs first door to the left," yelled back Hermione as she refolded one of her mother's barely worn shirts.

Footsteps thundered up the staircase revealing Ginny.

"Ginny!" cried Hermione hugging her tightly, "I have been here for a few days and haven't seen you once! How are you? Oh, you are pregnant!"

Ginny smiled a little, "Four months along. How are you coping?"

"I'm coping the best I can. How did you find this place?"

"Harry apperated me here. I hope you don't mind but we also brought James and Rianna with us. They are down stairs with Dakota. Harry is just making sure they are fine before he helps."

"Isn't he meant to be at work?"

"It's Saturday Herms. He has the weekends off. On weekends another Aurour is in charge. All the people who work everyday during the week can have the weekends off. It's a new thing Harry brought in with our deal."

Hermione smiled, "I like his thinking."

Ginny shrugged, "We wouldn't be here if we hadn't seen Merle at Digion Alley. She was heading to your business there to visit I presume. Have you been?"

"Not yet… I've been so busy. But I'm sure Luna and them understand."

"Ron's with Merle. To… what did he say… be her support when explaining," grinned Ginny as Harry walked into the room.

"Are you saying Ron likes Merle?" asked Hermione tying up the bag she was filling.

"Ron likes Merle?" frowned Harry handing Hermione another bag, "Since when?"

"Never you mind Harry. So Herms, how may we assist you?"

"Well if we all work on this room I can get it done quickly… I'd prefer that too," mumbled Hermione glancing around the now partly bare room.

O

Draco half smiled at Quarralia who entered his ward in her St Mungo's robe and long dark brown hair pulled back in a bun. Quarralia smiled back and sat in the seat Pompfrey sat in the day before.

"How are you today Draco?" she asked flipping through pages in a black book she had with her, "Have you suffered any cravings since you woke up?"

"Well to answer your first question I am okay and yes, five within the first hour," replied Draco sitting on his hands but in retaliation his body swayed back and forth slightly with his legs swinging.

"I take you are suffering one now?"

Draco nodded and looked down at his legs to avoid his Doctors penetrating stare. He heard Quarralia stand and walk over to him and stop in front of him. Against his will Draco looked up to see her holding out a packet of chewing gum.

"What's this for?" asked Draco not taking the packet.

"Well people say chewing gum helps with smoke cravings when they are trying to kick the habit. In some cases chewing gum helps alcoholics beat their addiction. It creates a different taste and makes them think of other things. Just give it ago and if it doesn't help you can go back to the old way… sitting here praying for the craving session to end."

Draco took the packet and ripped it open. He pulled out one stick of gum, unwrapped its individual wrapping and shoved it into his mouth and began chewing. Quarralia was right; it did create a different taste and made his mind focus less on needing alcohol.

"Is it working?" asked Quarralia returning to her seat.

Draco nodded with a small smile.

"Draco… I want to speak about a personal issue in your life. Hermione."

"What about her?"

"I understand you to both love each other but things in life have stopped you both being together. Now I know I said you could see her next Friday but-"

"Pompfrey told you about me loosing my temper didn't she?"

"She did, but she said you were more frustrated then angry. Today at 11am Hermione is coming here. I know for you to begin making a full recovery you need questions answered don't you?"

Draco nodded silently.

"I am allowing her to spend twenty minutes here with you for you to ask her questions and her to answer them. How does that sound?"

Draco nodded his face lighting up, showing he really was merely only 25, soon to be 26, "I like that… that would be great."

O

Hermione wiped the thin layer of sweat off her forehead and pulled her wand out, "It'll be easier to just levitate it to the garage. The muggles next door won't see."

"Are you sure?" replied Harry half way down the stairs holding his end of the queen sized mattress.

"I'm sure," said Hermione saying the levitating spell. The mattress floated upwards as if it weighed the same amount as a feather, "Go help Ginny seal the boxes in my parents room and please carefully levitate them downstairs to the hallway. My Aunt Cassie, Aunt Kirra and Uncle Matthew are coming around soon to take them to Aunt Cassie's place."

"Alright."

Hermione continued downstairs as Harry passed her. She maneuvered the mattress through the kitchen to the garage and placed it in the far corner from where she stood at the door. Glancing at her watch she saw it was five to eleven. She silently cursed and ran upstairs where she found Harry and Ginny taping boxes.

"I have to go to St Mungo's remember?" said Hermione before muttering a spell to clean herself up, "I shouldn't be too long. Harry, my relatives know who you are. Just tell them I am at the magical hospital visiting someone."

"Okay. I hope everything goes well," said Harry.

Hermione smiled and left with a crack appearing, seconds later at the reception area of St Mungo's. She walked past the Welcome desk and walked her way through the hospital, after using the elevator to the Rehab Center.

"Hello can I help you?" asked the Nurse at the receptionist desk.

"Hi, I have to meet Dr Quarralia Knox at eleven," smiled Hermione.

"She's just behind you."

Hermione spun around and smiled when she saw Quarralia walking over to her.

"I'm glad you could come. Draco will already be waiting for you. Now the deal is," explained Quarralia as they headed towards Draco's ward, "You have twenty minutes with him to answer all his questions. It is the only way he will fully be able to begin to recover."

"Okay."

"I'm sure the question's he will ask will be reasonable. If they are too private just say to him 'I can't answer that' does that sound reasonable?"

"It does."

They were now outside Draco's ward, situated to the side of his door so Hermione couldn't be seen.

"If it becomes to emotional for you just say to him 'I can't go on' and leave."

Hermione nodded and Quarralia opened the door letting her step inside on her own.

O

"Aunty Cassie!" cried Dakota running out of the lounge room to the hall where her great Aunty was with her sister and brother in law.

Cassie smiled and hugged her great niece lovingly, "Hi darling. Where is Mummy?"

"Ginny said Mummy had to go see someone. Harry and Ginny are upstairs packing Mummy's room up. They are helping."

"Okay, well would you and your little friends like some cake Aunty Kirra has brought with her?"

Dakota nodded eagerly whilst James and Rianna just looked on shyly. Footsteps came running down the stairs followed by the face of Harry.

"Oh hey… Hermione's family," said Harry smiling a little, "Ginny, meet Hermione's relatives."

Ginny stepped out from behind Harry smiling, "Hello."

"Hi," smiled Matthew shaking Ginny's hand, "I'm Matthew."

"Kirra," nodded Kirra from where she stood holding a container.

"I'm Cassie," grinned Cassie shaking Ginny's hand, "Kirra has some cake. Perhaps you all would like some? It's a lovely chocolate mud cake. Still warm, Kirra?"

"Well it was hot when I put it in the container, Cassie," replied Kirra walking into the kitchen before sighing sadly, "Anne loved her kitchen. She forced Edward to redo the kitchen up before Hermione was born. She didn't want her daughter to live in a shabby home. Is Hermione selling it or renting it out?"

Kirra was looking at Harry who shrugged his shoulders. Ginny had gone to get James and Rianna to bring them into the kitchen.

"Well I hope she rents it out. Selling wouldn't be something Anne would want," sighed Cassie handing Kirra some plates. Standing together Harry saw both had matching smiles, except Kirra was blonde whilst Cassie had dark brown hair similar to Anne's.

"It's Hermione's choice in the end," replied Matthew to Cassie's comment as he ran a hand through his graying blonde hair, "Whatever she chooses to do with the property we have to accept it."

Harry and Ginny nodded as Kirra handed a plate to Cassie with a slice of the delicious, dark brown, moist looking cake to hand to Dakota.

O

Draco looked at Hermione longingly as she sat down in the same seat everyone seemed to sit in. She glanced at him but turned way to smooth invisible wrinkles in her jeans and black polo shirt. Not the style he usually saw her in. It seemed too casual for her.

"Why aren't you dressed the way you normally are?" asked Draco to break the long silence.

"I've been dressing like this since I had Dakota. I don't see any point in wearing my work clothes when I'm not at work," replied Hermione simply.

"Oh... right… why… why didn't you tell you were pregnant? You had to be pregnant before you left for friggin Australia."

"I was pregnant. Three months along or so. When I found out, you were off to France too meet that Destinee person."

"But I came back! You could have told me then! I would have found a way for us to be together!"

"Yeah, Draco – find a way. What is the point in being together when we have to find a way? No one should have to find a way to be with someone they love. They should just be together regardless of everything else. But you wouldn't betray your family."

"Would you betray your family if they were against us?"

"I wouldn't have too! My family would have no objections. All they care about is seeing that I'm happy."

"What about your friends?"

"I would have told them. Yes, they would be mad but I know they would have accepted it in the end. They all know about us now and want me to be happy."

"My parents aren't against it now. I certainly know my mother isn't… she told me so without saying it."

"What does now have to do with the past?"

"Everything. I have a daughter who I helped create in the past, you left me in the past and now you are back… everything that has happened now is connected with the past."

"So my mother's death is connected to the past? Did she die because I went away?"

"I'm not saying that."

Hermione stood up and folded her arms across her chest as she began pacing, "You just said everything now is connected to the past."

"Well I don't mean everything… most things."

"I didn't tell you to go drink yourself silly so some people can beat you to death!"

"You triggered it!"

"You caused ME to run away! I wasn't going to stick around to watch you walk through Digion Alley with some other woman… watch you raise kids with that woman whilst I bring up Dakota in a world where she can never know who her father is."

"Does she even know who I am?"

"In a way she does. I have told her about you. Gosh, what did you expect me to do? Lie to her? Tell her, her father is a bad man, or dead?"

"For all I know Hermione you could have done."

"I thought you, of all people, would know me better then that!"

"How can I know you when you disappeared for four years then suddenly return?" snapped Draco standing up also.

Hermione stopped pacing and turned to face him with a glare, "You want to know who I am? I am a mother to a wonderful little girl who has her father's eyes, who is smart beyond those her own age, is creative, talkative. I run a successful business in two countries, I have now lost both my father and mother, yet I manage to remain strong for my daughter and… and you."

Draco looked at Hermione stunned, "M-me?"

"I'm staying in England. To make sure you get over this stupid addiction. It was my fault in the first place you became an alcoholic… so I'm here to make sure you stop being one."

"If that's the only reason you are staying then go back to Australia… I don't want you to move again because of only me."

Hermione looked up from the ground at Draco and sighed, "I belong here in England. It's my home… the only place in the world I will truly be happy. I want Dakota to go too Hogwarts… see Hogsmeade, everything amazing about this country… and I want her to know her father in person."

Draco smiled at Hermione and placed a hand on her cheek, only Hermione stepped away, "What is it?"

Hermione took another step back, "I can't be with you. Believe me Draco I do love you but everything has changed. You've changed. Even though now I am speaking to the real Draco in a second the one who scares me could come back. I can only really be with you again when I know the Draco I love is back."

Anger swelled through Draco as his fists shook. Ignoring the packet of gum on the bedside Draco he knocked the jug of water to the ground glaring at Hermione who was backing away towards the door.

"FINE! LEAVE ME THEN! TAKE MY DAUGHTER AWAY FROM ME! GET LOST!"

Hermione's eyes swelled with tears as she pulled the door open and ran out. Quarralia steadied her as Hermione nearly fell to the ground in fear.

"You did good Hermione. You were strong in there… he's just suffering a craving," explained Quarralia as she walked Hermione away from Draco's ward.

"How come the cravings he suffers are different to the muggle ones?" asked Hermione calming herself down.

"The alcohol muggle's drink is nothing compared to the wizarding world ones. Give him a few more days. The cravings won't be a violent… besides I got a letter today from a friend in Germany who says she has created a potion that can possibly cure his addiction. If I can get permission from his parents I will test it on him to see if it works."

Hermione smiled, "That' sounds brilliant… thanks Quarralia."

Quarralia smiled and gave Hermione a friendly hug, "You did brilliant. He does love you and doesn't want you to leave. Take care… I'll contact you on Thursday."

Hermione nodded and waved goodbye before heading off towards the reception area.

O

"It's so good to see you!" cried Luna hugging Merle happily as Ron watched on smiling, "So Michael wasn't seeing things… I thought he might have seen a spirit… hmm. Oh, hello Ronald. How are you today?"

Merle chuckled as Ron smiled and stepped forward.

"Good thanks Luna," he said, "Hey Michael. Look who is back for a while."

"Merle?" gasped Michael running towards his old friend for a hug, "I'm sorry to hear about Hermione's mother! How is she? How are you?"

Merle let go of Michael smiling, "She is doing better then she was a day or so ago. I think she has accepted things for how they are. She'll be here in a day or so with news for you all too. As for me I am doing fine. Ron here is escorting me around today."

Merle and Ron swapped smiles causing Luna and Michael to grin knowingly.

"How is the business in Australia?" asked Luna.

"Great. People are coming from all over the country to seek Hermione's services. Where is Hannah?"

"In a meeting with a client."

Merle nodded, "Well sorry to cut the visit short, but I have so much to do today."

After hugs and promises to write more often Merle left the building with Ron.

"So… how about I buy us a drink?" suggested Ron smiling at Merle who nodded.

Ron grinned happily as he entered the café. He had always gotten along with Merle but now things were changing between them. Ron smiled at Merle as she stood close beside him. Instinctively he placed an arm around Merle's shoulders, who return, stepped closer with a soft smile.

Yes, Ron was definitely happy with how things were going.

A/N: 4,400 words... I'm sure that is enough right? A drama filled chapter with romance at the end. Okay… well I haven't seen the 4th movie yet – it doesn't get released in Australia until December the 1st and I am seeing it on the 3rd because it is the only time I can get tickets! So please don't tell me what happens in the movie or whether it follows the book or not… anyway I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Bye for now!

Love yas!

Love Coz!